SADAG stands for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. It is South Africa's leading mental health non-governmental organization (NGO) and advocacy group, providing free telephonic counseling, support groups, and resources for mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicide prevention.

What is the meaning of SADAG?

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is a registered Non-Profit Organisation, a Registered Section 21 Company, with an 18A tax exemption. SADAG is the leading voice of patient advocacy in the mental health sector, working in urban, peri-urban and the most rural communities across South Africa.

What are the 4 types of mental health?

Understanding mental health involves four domains: emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

What does "sad" stand for?

SAD most commonly stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, usually starting in fall/winter and improving in spring/summer due to less sunlight, but it can also refer to other terms like Social Anxiety Disorder or Supply And Demand, depending on the context. When referring to mental health, it's often called "winter blues" but is a more serious form of depression with symptoms like low energy, mood changes, and sleep/appetite issues.
 

What is the biggest mental health organization?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is widely recognized as the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, focusing on advocacy, education, support, and building communities to improve lives affected by mental illness, while other major players include the older Mental Health America (MHA) and professional groups like the American Psychiatric Association (APA). 

What it means to be a SADAG counsellor

Does light therapy work for depression?

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry in late 2024, found that bright light therapy was an effective supplementary treatment for depressive disorders other than seasonal depression.

What is SAD called now?

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD, seasonal depression or winter depression. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), this disorder is identified as a type of depression – major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.

What is the top 10 worst mental illness?

What is the Hardest Mental Illness to Live With?

• Depression.
• Anxiety Disorder.
• Bipolar Disorder.
• Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Schizophrenia.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Does vitamin D help SAD?

So, those who do have low levels of vitamins of D usually aren't getting enough sun or have a low dietary intake,” says Chandni. While vitamin D is great for your overall health – especially for your immune system – it's not a proven way to treat SAD.

Is SAD a form of bipolar?

"Sad" isn't bipolar itself, but prolonged sadness (depression) is a core feature of bipolar disorder, which involves cycling between depressive lows and manic/hypomanic highs, often with seasonal patterns (SAD), making seasonal depression a subtype of major depression or bipolar disorder. While simple sadness can be Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), if the sadness comes with extreme energy shifts, it might point to bipolar, especially if it recurs seasonally (SAD).

What is the old name for depression?

What we recognize today as depression was, in the Victorian era, popularly known as melancholia or melancholy. The name "melancholia" comes from the old medical belief in the four humours.

What is the highest form of sadness?

Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.

What are the first signs of SAD?

What are the signs and symptoms of SAD?

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
• Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.

What is the best color for depression?

What is the best color for depression? Warm and bright colors like yellow and orange are uplifting and energizing. However, some people may find solace in cooler colors like blue or green, which are calming and soothing. It's important to choose colors that resonate with you personally and make you feel better.

Who should not do LED light therapy?

LED light therapy isn't appropriate for everyone, including people who:

• Take certain medications that increase their sensitivity to sunlight, such as isotretinoin and lithium.
• Have a history of certain conditions, including skin cancer and inherited eye diseases.

What is the 50 30 20 rule for charities?

The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting method allocating 50% of after-tax income to Needs (housing, groceries), 30% to Wants (dining out, entertainment), and 20% to Savings & Debt, which is where charitable giving can fit in as a goal or part of the 20% for financial well-being, offering a flexible framework to balance essentials, enjoyment, and future financial health, including generosity.
 

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